Uncategorized | Northern Virginia Plumbing Services

N.V.P.S. SUMP PUMP INFORMATION

Do you rely on a sump pump to keep your basement dry?

Do you feel anxious when the power goes out during a storm?

Residential Sump Pumps operate on 120 V and are useless without power. Flooding can occur quickly with no means to pump the water out of the drain.

Backup sump pumps are installed along with the primary pump and continue to operate in the event of power loss or in the event a primary pump fails. The backup pump is mounted above the float for the main sump pump and turns on when the water exceeds this height. During blackouts or if the primary pump fails, the backup sump pump turns on.

There are two main types of backup sump pumps to prevent flooding and keep basements dry should power fail or the primary sump pump fails:

Battery-powered sump pumps
Water-powered sump pumps

Battery–powered sump pumps are the most popular backup sump pump. They are powered by a deep cycle marine battery that maintains a charge through a trickle charger. This type of pump is frequently available in an assembly that includes the primary pump and are connected to the same drain line. Installation is easy and can be done by most homeowners. Battery backups can operate continuously for 4 to 5 hours or intermittently for as long as a day.

Water-powered backup sump pumps are an alternative to battery-powered pumps. As opposed to 120 V or battery backup pumps, water-powered pumps do not require an external electric power source. Instead, they are powered by the municipal water supply. Since the water is constantly flowing, the pump will continue to operate even during extended power outages.

As with battery-powered backup pumps, the water-powered pump is mounted above the float for the main pump and contains its own float.

Water-powered backup pumps operate on the principle of the Venturi effect. When the float for the backup pump is activated, it opens a valve connected to the municipal water supply. The municipal water flows through a constricted area in the pump ejector that increases the water velocity and reduces the pressure. This results in a suction that draws the water from the sump through a drain line and discharges it outside the house. Two gallons of water can be pumped for every gallon of municipal water. They are more expensive and complicated to install than battery-powered pumps, but they can be worth the effort and money in areas prone to flooding or power outages.

Call Northern Virginia Plumbing Services to get additional information (703) 878-7800

N.V.P.S. Backflow Prevention

WHAT IS A BACKFLOW?

Water that comes into a building from the main water supply should only flow in one direction. Backflow happens when water pressure changes or atmospheric pressure causes water to flow back into the main water supply. When this happens contaminants can backflow into the counties clean water supply. This is why backflow preventer valves are required in all commercial buildings and in residential situations with fire and lawn irrigation.

WHAT IS A BACK FLOW PREVENTER?

A backflow preventer is a device designed to prevent water from flowing back into the clean water supply. The valve does not allow water to backflow even if there are water pressure changes in the plumbing. Because of this, backflow preventer systems are required to be inspected and tested annually by plumbers who are certified to test these types of systems.

TYPES OF BACKFLOW PREVENTERS?

There are a few different types of backflow preventer valves that are used in commercial buildings/residential homes. Buildings/homes can have one or more backflow systems.

Domestic Backflow Preventer – These are standard in commercial properties and prevent any water used in the business from seeping back into the clean water supply. This includes any contaminants that may be used in the business.
Fire Suppression Backflow System – Many businesses/homes have fire protection systems that have sprinklers ready in case of a fire. This system has water that is pressurized and ready to be used instantly in the event of a fire. However, this water is stagnant, and bacteria can grow in these pipes. This water can be potentially harmful if it were to backflow into the city’s drinking water supply. Buildings that have fire suppression or fire protection systems are required to have a fire suppression backflow system to keep this water from seeping back into our clean drinking water.
Irrigation System Backflow – Commercial properties/residential homes often have irrigation systems for landscaping. Many use non-potable water for irrigation so it is essential to have an irrigation backflow system

BACKFLOW TEST REQUIREMENTS?

All backflow valves need to be inspected and tested ANNUALLY. Typically, businesses or property owners are notified by the county when their inspection is due. It is up to the business to schedule the inspection with a certified plumber.

N.V.P.S has certified plumbers who can perform these inspections for your backflow systems so call us today:

Northern Virginia Plumbing Services (703) 878-7800

N.V.P.S. Qest / Polybutylene Liability

N.V.P.S DOES NOT warranty any connections with Qest / Polybutylene piping in your home due to the material it was manufactured from.

Why

Polybutylene is a plastic resin that was used extensively in the manufacture of water supply piping from 1978 until 1995. Due to the low cost of the material and ease of installation, polybutylene piping systems were viewed as “the pipe of the future” and were used as a substitute for traditional copper piping. It is most commonly found in Northern Virginia areas such as Alexandria, Annandale, Dale City, Dumfries, Herndon, Lake Ridge, Manassas, Montclair, Oakton, and Springfield.

The piping systems were used for underground water mains and as interior water distribution piping. Industry experts believe it was installed in at least 6 million homes, and some experts indicate it may have been used in as many as 10 million homes. It’s believed this piping was installed in approximately one in every four or five homes built during the years in which the pipe was manufactured.

How to Tell If You Have QEST

Exterior – Polybutylene underground water mains are usually blue, but may be gray or black (do not confuse black poly with polyethelene pipe). It is usually 1/2″ or 1″ in diameter, and it may be found entering your home through the basement wall or floor, concrete slab or coming up through your crawlspace. Frequently it enters the home near the water heater. Your main shutoff valve is attached to the end of the water main. Also check the water meter that is located near the city water main. It is wise to check at both ends of the pipe because we have found cases where copper pipe enters the home, and poly pipe is at the water meter. Obviously, both pipes were used and connected somewhere underground.

Interior – Polybutylene used inside your home can be found near the water heater, running across the ceiling in unfinished basements, and coming out of the walls to feed sinks and toilets. Warning: In some regions of the country plumbers used copper “stub outs” where the pipe exits a wall to feed a fixture, so seeing copper here does not mean that you do not have poly.

Will the Pipes Fail?

While scientific evidence is scarce, it is believed that oxidants in the public water supplies, such as chlorine, react with the polybutylene piping and acetal fittings causing them to scale and flake and become brittle. Micro-fractures result, and the basic structural integrity of the system is reduced. Thus, the system becomes weak and may fail without warning causing damage to the building structure and personal property. It is believed that other factors may also contribute to the failure of polybutylene systems, such as improper installation, but it is virtually impossible to detect installation problems throughout an entire system.

N.V.P.S. Masonry Chimney Inspection & Liner Policy

Any job that N.V.P.S does where the exhaust is a masonry chimney, requires the chimney to be lined, or for it to have been Inspected by an approved chimney inspector within the last 12 months. There are many reasons that a masonry chimney can no longer serve an approved exhaust vessel for natural and manufactured gas appliances.

The combining of fuel, air, and an ignition source creates combustion. This combustion process is utilized in furnaces and water heaters to heat air or water. Byproducts of combustion are carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and water, occasionally carbon monoxide, and other gases.

Thirty years ago, it was common practice to vent gas furnaces and water heaters into tile-lined masonry chimneys. These appliances used draft hoods, also known as draft diverters, in their venting systems. Appliances manufactured around this time were about 60% efficient (fuel used versus heat generated for the structure). The draft diverter introduced dilution air to the furnace vent gases, and with the escaping heat, prevented moisture issues in the chimney. Exterior chimneys and interior chimneys were commonly used for venting. Today’s mid-efficiency furnaces can destroy tile lined chimneys.

Below are some technological differences with modern appliances that make using chimneys more difficult:

A furnace, currently manufactured, has an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) of either 80% or 90%+. There are no 85% efficient furnaces. Furnace with an efficiency of 80% run at the borderline of creating condensation in the combustion and venting operation. The flue gases are cooler and moisture laden. The furnaces don’t have a draft diverter; therefore, no extra dilution air is used in the venting process. Instead of a draft diverter, the furnaces have a small fan that induces draft and prevents downdrafts in the venting system.
A cold chimney liner will reach dewpoint quickly once the combustion process starts. Over time condensation and acidic components of flue gases eat into the clay tile liner of the chimney. This action will continue eroding the masonry and eventually destroy the integrity of the chimney. Additionally, the condensation will work its way to the furnace. The heat exchanger could rust out and introduce carbon monoxide into the structure.
Chimneys located on the exterior of a house will be colder than interior chimneys. A review of the International Fuel Gas Code will clearly show that exterior chimneys are off limits for single appliances. Two or more appliances could vent into an exterior chimney, but design conditions must be appropriate along with appliance fuel input. Additionally, one of the appliances must have a draft diverter (natural draft system).
Interior chimneys typically benefit from the heat of the structure. Because these chimneys are not as cold as the exterior kind, the application is a little different, but not much. Some single appliances can vent into interior chimneys. The height of the chimney, the area of the liner, and the input of the appliance all play a role in the use of the chimney. However, using an interior chimney is extremely limited. For instance, a 100,000 BTU furnace venting into an interior chimney with a 38 square inch liner would not be allowed, regardless of chimney height. A review of the International Fuel Gas Code venting tables should be checked before venting into any chimney.
Furnaces with an AFUE of 90% and greater use special venting material such as PVC or stainless steel. A 90% furnace should never dump flue gases into a chimney. The installation instructions of these furnaces must be followed precisely for safe installation and operation. These furnaces produce large quantities of condensate as part of their operation. The condensate is drained from the furnace via piping and disposed in a safe place outside of the structure.

A contractor’s best course of action is to avoid a chimney altogether. Using an abandoned chimney as a chase for a metal venting system, such as “B” Vent, can be done. There are stainless steel chimney liner systems than can be installed too. But the tile lined chimney is quickly becoming something to avoid altogether with gas appliances. This is policy of the Virginia state-wide building code as well as all county governments.

homeguide-professional-chimney-liner-installation

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N.V.P.S. Ceiling Leak Detection

The signs of a ceiling leak are numerous, which makes identifying the source tricky. Before identifying the source of the leak, we must recognize the signs that a leak has occurred.

Wet ceiling: Clean water indicates that the leak could be coming from a leak in a pipe or the rain.
Dark stain on ceiling: A dark stain indicates a sewage pipe leak or a stain that has gone undetected over time.
Peeling paint on ceiling: Peeling paint on your ceiling is a sign of moisture. While peeling paint in a bathroom is not necessarily indicative of a leak, it is a possibility.
Mold on ceiling: Mold is another sign of moisture, which can point to a leak, or may also be indicative of a problem with ventilation.

A water spot on the ceiling can indicate the approximate location of the leak, but to discover the source, more investigation must take place. The timing of the leak is a clear indicator of the source. Leaks that consistently occur, regardless of weather conditions and rain, are an indication that the leak is coming from somewhere within the house.

Mark the stain with a pencil and take a picture. Wait a few days and take another picture. Then compare the leak stains. Notice whether the leak appears after the kids have taken baths, flushed the toilet, or after showers?

Leaks that only occur when it rains, indicate that the moisture is in response to rain.
Leaks that get worse over a short period of time indicate a pressure supply pipe or fitting leaking.

Prior to cutting into any walls or ceilings to determine the source of the leak:

1. We ask that you stop using either the shower or the toilet in the bathroom above the leak location.

2. If the bathrooms are both on top of the leak, use only one bathroom for a few days then switch to the other.

3. Check daily for leaks.

4. If after a few days the location of the leak cannot be identified, we will come out and perform a Minor leak search using both moisture and thermal imaging, combined with precise fixture troubleshooting at tie-in and connections.

5. The next step is a major leak search involving drop cloths, ladder, and dry wall cutting. Once the problem is located, we can explain your options and provide pricing for that specific job.

N.V.P.S. Manufacturers

(click on names to go to websites)

Bradford White

Chandler Systems

Delta Faucet Company

Insinkerator

Kohler

Oil Minder

Uponor

Virginia Marble Manufacturers

Zoeller Pump Company

N.V.P.S. Estimate Policy

Estimates are valid 30 days from the date estimate was received

Northern Virginia Plumbing Services is happy to offer our Customers a free written estimate when possible. The value of a comprehensive estimate when comparing contractors is priceless.

To qualify for a free estimate, customers must:

A) Be the property owner (NVPS needs to deal directly with the owner),

B) Reside within the Northern Virginia service area, AND

C) Plan to have all work performed during regular business hours.

The following conditions apply:

Free estimates apply to jobs with visible damage requiring no additional diagnostics.
Leak searches for the purpose of providing an estimate, including but not limited to crawl spaces, walls, ceilings, and cabinets will be charged a leak search fee.
A diagnostic fee will apply to estimates requiring additional tools or unspecified difficult access to locate repair options.
All estimates involving insurance, real estate, wills, and probate will be subject to an estimate fee.

N.V.P.S. Privacy Policy

Northern Virginia Plumbing Services is committed to safeguarding your personal information, in all aspects of the work we do for you. We keep all your information confidential and private. No information will ever be given to anyone, ie realtors, neighbors, etc.

We are a paperless company.
All quotes, invoices, and receipts are sent directly to the customer via email/texts.
We use a secure payment software system that does not store credit card information once a transaction is completed.
When you contact us regarding our services, we only collect pertinent information such as Name, Address, Email, and a contact Number.

Your email address/phone number is used to:

Schedule or notify you of an appointment.
Inform you of bids/estimates or invoices.
Send a receipt when work has been completed.

N.V.P.S. does not sell, trade, or rent your private information to marketing or research companies. We value and respect your privacy.

Our employees understand the importance of safeguarding your information and while in your home, any information about your residence, your property, or the work being done is kept purely confidential. We do not discuss your home or business, property, improvements, or work done in or around your property with anyone.

N.V.P.S. Discount Policy

Northern Virginia Plumbing Services knows your time and money are valuable. By providing our customers with fair and competitive prices every day, there is no need for special offers, seasonal specials, or sales promotions.

We do not charge:

A service call fee,
A travel fee,
An after-hours emergency fee,
Or a dispatch fee.

We recognize those that have carried an extra burden for society deserve a hand-up, not a hand-out so we offer the following (please mention your discount when contacting N.V.P.S.):

Active Duty/Retired Military/Veterans – 10% discount
Police, Firefighters, First Responders – 10% discount
Teachers – 10% discount
Single Parents – 5% discount
Senior Citizens – 5% discount

N.V.P.S. Warranty Policy

Northern Virginia Plumbing Services will guarantee the following, (with the exceptions listed below):

Our Installations of Fixtures, Faucets, Appliances, Backflow Preventers, Plumbing Apparatus, Filters, Softeners, Pressure Reducing Valves, All Pumps, and Garbage Disposals to be free from defects in material and workmanship for (2) two years from the date of work completed, unless otherwise noted on work Invoice.
Our Service and Repair work to be free from defects in material and workmanship for (1) one year from the date of completion, unless otherwise noted on work Invoice.
Our Drain Cleaning which includes Toilets, Small Drains, Main Drains, and Hydro Jetting to drain properly for 90 days after completion of work, unless otherwise noted on work Invoice.
Our Water and Sewer line Replacement for 10 years.
Our Water Heater Installations, in-conjunction with the manufacturer’s Warranty, to be free from defect for either 6 or 10 years, depending on the model. The Warranty includes Labor, all Material, and Leakage.

N.V.P.S. cannot offer any warranty for Material that is Owner Furnished. There is No implied Warranty or Warranty of Merchantability on any Material that is Owner Furnished. Acquisition of repair parts and labor costs after 30 days of work completion is the responsibility of the Customer providing Material.

Warranty Exceptions

Any tampering, alteration, or changes that are done to our work by someone other than a N.V.P.S. employee during the Warranty period.
If payment is overdue.
Damage caused through misuse, abuse, or neglect.
Warranties are subject to the availability of material and parts.
Warranty work does not extend the warranty period

N.V.P.S. Payment Policy

Northern Virginia Plumbing Services Payment Policy is as follows:

Payment is due upon completion of the service or installation.
We accept cash, checks, and major debt and credit cards or we can send a secure link to pay invoices online.
Any job over $500 or a job that requires special order materials requires a 30% deposit upfront.
Invoices unpaid after 30 days are subject to collections which include, but are not limited to, Property Lien, Theft of Services filed at the Local Police Department, Civil Court, and reporting to all national collection agencies.

Just like you, we are looking forward to a return to normal day to day operations. Our technicians have been inoculated for the Corona Virus and we are grateful for all the hard work that went into finding and delivering these vaccines. Because we are a customer service business, we will maintain the current levels of protection that both the Virginia State Health Department and the CDC mandate.

Techs will be pre-screened each morning for their temperature and health status.
Techs will use hand sanitizer before and after each call.
Techs will not shake hands and will maintain social distancing on all jobs.
Techs will wear protective gear such as shoe covers, a mask, and gloves (properly disposed of after each job).
Techs will wipe down and sanitize work surfaces as needed.
Techs will use hands-free work approval and payment processing to limit contact.

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